A record 34 fresh fruit and vegetable innovations are up for the United Fresh Produce Association’s 2011 New Product Awards at the organisation’s annual trade show and conference event.
This year’s finalists will compete in six categories for the title of Best New Products at United Fresh 2011, which takes place in New Orleans on 2-5 May, according to a press release from the association.
“These 34 products represent the forerunners in the effort to bring new approaches, ideas and processes to the fresh fruit and vegetable industry,” said John Toner, vice-president of convention and industry relations for United Fresh.
“From its very beginnings, the United show has been the undisputed home of big innovation for the produce industry, and these awards continue to showcase the best and brightest minds in the produce business.”
“The development and display of the latest in innovation from our industry is a vital part of the mission of every United trade show,” said United Fresh president and CEO Tom Stenzel.
“Our industry’s success is built upon the foresight and creativity of its member companies in bringing new products to market. This serves to boost value to the consumer and profitability to the industry.”
Products will be on display in the United Fresh Membership Booth on the show floor where they will be judged by all attendees throughout the show.
Winners will be determined by total votes received as of 2pm on 4 May, and will be announced approximately one hour after tabulation.
The 2011 New Product Award finalists are:
Best New Packaging
Clearly Fresh® Bags, Apio
Eco Trays, Clifford Produce
E-Pack, Daumar Corporation
IFCO “6408N RPC” (RPC for Berries), IFCO Systems
Fresh N Tasty® Produce Pouch, Robbie
MIXIM Classic 5x5 6oz. Bushberry Packaging System, Sambrailo Packaging
Best New Food Safety Solution
The Arizona Leafy Greens Food Safety Training Kit, Arizona Leafy Green Marketing Agreement
EMD Portable Analysis System, BioSafe Systems
SmartWashTM, New Leaf Food Safety Solutions
XpressPDF Label – Temperature Monitoring, PakSense
FreshQC, VirtualOne Software
Best New Processing Equipment
Primus Gemini – New and Improved Fresh Berry Sorter, Best Sorting
Onion Top & Tail – Manual, Charlie’s Machine & Supply
OP-120, Onion Peeler – Dofra Foodtec
Tray Filling System, Automatic Rigid Tray Filling and Lidding System, Heinzen Manufacturing
Tamajiro Onion Peeling Machine, Nichimo International
PerfoTec Fast Respiration Meter, PerfoTec BC
High Capacity Automatic Spin Dryer Mod. Nextra Large, Turatti
Best New Fruit Product
Chiquita Fruit+Juice Duos, Chiquita Brands North America
Crunch Pak With Disney, Crunch Pak
Four Pack Fresh Fruit Cups, Del Monte Fresh Produce, NA
Zima® Seriously Sweet Tomato, Mastronardi Produce/Sunset®
Sun DropsTM Grape Tomatoes, Mucci Farms
Naturipe® Berry Quick Blueberry Snacks, Naturipe Farms
Sunkist® Premium Table Grapes, Sunkist Growers
Best New Packing/Packaging Equipment
ITM Information That MattersTM, Heat and Control
Vegatronic 200 Ultrasonic, Ilapak
Volmpack Ultrek 320 Vertical-Form-Fill-Seal Bagger, Volm Companies
Best New Vegetable Product
Wasabi Arugula, Church Brothers
Colorful Classics Vegetable Tray & Sweet Honey Dijon Vinaigrette, Colorful Harvest
Mann’s Snacks On The Go!TM, Mann Packing Co
Pure Flavor Grill Ready Vegetable Mix, Pure Hot House Foods
Ready Pac Salad SinglesTM, Ready Pac Foods
York’s HarvestTM Garden Chips, Tropical Nut and Fruit
The 2010 New Product Award winners were:
Best New Packaging: Fresh Express Artisanal Salads, Chiquita Brands North America
Best New Food Safety Solution: VoiceCode, YottaMark
Best New Processing Equipment: FogTunnel Produce Treatment System, AgSolutions
Best New Fruit Product: Chiquita Fresh & Ready Avocados, Chiquita Brands North America
Best New Packing/Processing Equipment: Ulta Bagger (Girbagger) Bagging Machine, Giro Pack
Best New Vegetable Product: Ready Pac Bistro Seasonal Salads, Italiano & Waldorf, Ready Pac Foods
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